Search form

You are here

How to File a Complaint

The Campaign Finance Act and CFB Rules provide the CFB with oversight and enforcement authority over campaign and independent spending for city offices. Although the CFB audits every campaign and reviews independent expenditures thoroughly, there are instances when people in the field and members of the public have information unavailable to the CFB regarding a potential violation of the Act or Rules.

Anyone may file a complaint with the CFB if they have knowledge of a specific action or lack of action that seems contrary to the rules and regulations regarding campaign fundraising, campaign or independent expenditures, or other activities under the CFB’s jurisdiction.

Complaint Basis

Certain activities are beyond the scope of the CFB’s jurisdiction, including:

violations of state election law concerning ballot access

conflict of interest violations

violations of sanitation and litter laws

potential campaign finance violations associated with elections other than those for the five covered offices of mayor, comptroller, public advocate, borough president, and City Council member.

Complaints about these activities should be directed to other agencies.

Examples of information that might be the basis of a complaint include:

campaign contributions or expenditures are not being reported

reported campaign contributions or expenditures never actually occurred, or the amounts reported are incorrect

spending that benefits a campaign, made by a third party under the control of a candidate or campaign, is not being reported as an in-kind contribution, or is being reported incorrectly

coordination or cooperation between a campaign and a third party has benefited the campaign, but expenditures associated with that activity were not reported, or were reported incorrectly

independent expenditures are not being reported, or are being reported but are not actually independent

goods or services (including special discounts) donated to a campaign are not being reported, or are being reported incorrectly

someone asks you to contribute money to a campaign in the name of someone else (no matter what your relationship to that person may be)

a person who gathers contributions on behalf of a campaign is not being reported as an intermediary

campaign funds are being used for a purpose other than the campaign for which they are intended, including, but not limited to, personal use

mass mailings by public servants in the 90 days prior to an election in which that public servant is a candidate.

Complaint Requirements

A formal complaint must:

allege a violation of the Act or Rules;

be sworn to or affirmed (it must state that the contents of the complaint are true); and

be based on personal knowledge and if not, should refer to a specific source for its information.

The CFB reviews all information regarding alleged campaign finance violations. However, for submissions that fail to comply with the requirements of a formal complaint, the CFB will determine the nature, substance, and timing of an appropriate response, including notifications to the complainant (you), at its discretion.

Complaint Contents

When filing a complaint, include as much information as possible, such as:

times, dates, and places of suspicious activities by campaigns, third parties, or independent spenders

names of witnesses to or individuals/groups involved in the alleged activities

media accounts of events

If you have any evidence, attach it to the complaint. Evidence may include:

photographs

campaign literature, posters, or flyers

campaign paraphernalia

communications or correspondence

information regarding who is performing and/or funding the activity

Include reliable contact information so that you can be reached for additional information if needed.

After a Complaint is Filed

The CFB reviews and acknowledges all formal complaints. If the CFB determines the complaint does not merit investigation, the complainant will be notified of the complaint’s dismissal.

If the CFB determines the complaint does merit investigation, you may not hear from the CFB again until the disposition of the matter, which may not be until after the election. Within 10 days of its receipt, the CFB will notify and send a copy of the complaint to the respondent (the candidate, campaign, or independent spender that is the subject of the complaint). The respondent has 20 days to submit a verified answer (notarized response that contains a statement affirming the truthfulness of its contents). The answer may include a request for the complaint’s dismissal. The CFB may require a faster response if the complaint is filed close to the election.

The CFB’s investigation may include, but is not limited to:

desk and field audits

issuance of subpoenas

taking sworn testimony

issuance of document requests and questions to the campaign, independent spender, or other relevant individuals or entities

Submitting a Complaint

Formal complaints must be delivered by mail or in person to:

New York City Campaign Finance Board Attention: Special Compliance 100 Church Street, 12th Floor New York, NY 10007.

If the complaint is time sensitive, you can fax a copy to (212) 409-1705 or email a scanned copy to complaints@nyccfb.info, but the original signed complaint must also be submitted to the CFB via mail or in person.

For more information regarding the formal complaint process, please see the New York City Campaign Finance Board Rules 7-01, 7-02, and 13-08.